Saturday, September 25, 2010

Empty Nest

After 30+ years, and 5 children we are experiencing Empty Nest.Our youngest has gone off to college.It's definitely a time of mixed emotions.We make great efforts to raise our children to be independent, with the skills necessary for that outside world.And then when they leave we are often left wondering how the time went by so fast.I keep listening for Sounds:The refrigerator door openingThe front door openingTeenage laughterTeenage friendsDrum practiceBand practice at our house (at least I knew where they were)Pool partiesLate night hoursThe constant hum of the dishwasher, washer and dryerHi Mom, I'm homeBye, MomLove you, Mom

Now, it's just QUIETMr. Cactus had the perfect solution for Empty Nest.A week's vacation to San Diego for just the two of us.We pondered the last time we went away together, without children, family or friends.All the hustle and bustle to get from here to there.And honestly, we could not recall a date.

I'm feeling very spoiled. Mr. Cactus brought his golf clubs, and I've got my sewing machine.Free time to see the sites, rest and relax.And we have our cell phones to call our children when the pangs set in.

Hi Nedra, I know how you feel. It happened to us a couple years ago. We are now listening to skype to see if they are online or check facebook to see what they are up to? I'm getting use to it now, but still missing them - Hugs Nat

Nedra, enjoy your time together. Our youngest has just started college too, but fortunately he is commuting at this time. Don't know what will happen in four years. But it is strange not to hear as much activity in the house. I know I will really miss the daily interaction.

San Diego is beautiful! We visited my youngest son in July and had a fantastic time. Right after he left my oldest son, wife, and grandson moved in for a year. Thirty-five years and we have yet to experience empty nest!

Nedra,We have one son that moved out in the spring time to live with his girlfriend. He lives close by and we do miss those same things that you wrote about but it has been very pleasant in many other ways. My spouse and I have had more time together and are rediscovering the things that we have always loved about one another. Our son's best friend C. growing up, lives next door to us. He shows up regularly to play in our son's space in the basement without our son. Its still like having another kid at home so the sounds of doors opening and big footsteps on the basement stairs have not completely disappeared. LOL Enjoy your holiday in San Diego- sounds like a wonderful place to visit.Warmest regards,Anna

I LOVE my empty nest! It was definitely weird in the beginning, but now it's just the best! You'll adjust quickly, and you'll cherish the times when the kids come home. May your sewing machine continue to purr....

San Diego and a sewing machine sounds like the perfect distraction for now. I can't imagine what that day will be like. There are times right now that I think it sounds so dreamy but I'm sure when it actually comes I'll be quite sad. :)

You will get use to it after a little more time has gone by. Then you will love it. And they never really leave home. My son still comes by to eat and just hang out with us for a while. Not every day but enough.

Good Morning Nedra...ahhh the empty nest, we experienced this not long ago. I can share with you that this next chapter of your life will be so eventful. There are still times when your fridge will be filled with more food than you will ever consume...but you will embrace the serenity, the oneness of your partner and you will find new meaning that lifts you to heights you can only imagine. So enjoy your new space, new chapter and most of your NEW man...he has been waiting for this...blessings msamm

Wonderful idea! We became empty nesters last year. Well, except we still have our Rusty who thinks he is human. We absolutely love having time together. It is the first time in our relationship. We courted with DH's son. I enlarged the photo of your sewing studio in the hotel room. I'm planning on traveling with my machine in the next couple of weeks.